Cleaning device for teeth



June 10, 1941. -r HQSEY 2,244,699

CLEANING DEVICE FOR TEETH Filed Jan. :5, 1959 Eiyl 1 2/ 6 o o g o L I; 06Q000 ,7

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22 23 4 L2 5, v J go g 1 ayo? m 24 C Aggy Lnm A AQmmLui F1 5 v INVENTOR EIIEUJIHDMM W 7715000195 A. Hos/5y Patented June 10, 1941 UNITED'STATES PATENT OFFICE CLEANING DEVICE FOR TEETH Theodore A. Hosey, Denver, Colo.

Application January 3, 1939, Serial No. 248,943

*1 Claim.

This invention relates to an improved cleaning device for the teeth.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device for cleaning the teeth and massaging and stimulating the gums in an unusually effective manner.

Another object is the provision of such a device that is made of rubber or similar material that has recesses that produce partial vacuums when used for the purposes intended.

Other objects and advantages reside in details of design and construction which will be more fully disclosed in the following description and in the drawing wherein like parts have been similarly designated and in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a device made according to a preferred form of the invention;

Figure 2 is a. side elevation thereof;

Figure 3 is a side elevation of a smaller form of a similar device;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a further modified form of the invention;

Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating a slight variation of the device illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating a modified form of the invention; and

Figure 7 is a front elevation of the device illustrated in Figure 6.

In the drawing, reference character I5 denotes a handle element which is preferably made similar in shape, size and material, to a common tooth-brush handle, and having an end portion l6 of reduced cross section for permanent or removable attachment to a cleaning head II, the attachment being effected by a threaded removable engagement as shown in Figure 2 or other convenient means. The head I! may be permanently attached to the handle element if desired.

The cleaning head I1, is preferably composed of a relatively firm but flexible rubber portion [8 that engages the handle element, and a relatively more flexible working portion 19, that is provided with flexible projections 20 having recesses open toward their Working surfaces to form partial vacuums when used for the cleaning of teeth and the massaging of the gums. In Figure 2, the projections are illustrated as being arranged with their working surfaces in curved or arcuate formation to conform to the natural shape of gums and the formation of the teeth. The rubber cleaning head, as a whole, being flexible, will further conform to the surfaces in the mouth when in use.

In Figures 1, 2 and 3 the projections are illustrated as of diamond-shape cross section. Figure 3 illustrates a smaller cleaning head having its projection in straight line formation.

Figure 4 shows similar recessed flexible projections 2| of circular cross section and it will be understood that such projections can be made of any appropriate size and/or shape as preferred, and formed in any suitable arrangement.

By the term rubber is meant either natural prepared rubber or any natural or artificial material of similar properties. Such material is flexible enough to conform in an intimate contact with the surfaces of the teeth and gums to clean and massage them and yet the soft surfaces of the rubber will not cut or scratch even the most tender gums. The partial vacuums formed in the recesses, further aid in the cleaning, massaging and stimulating results effected.

Such a device is water-proof and can be readily cleaned, or soaked in a cleansing and purifying liquid, and will not lose its original properties as common bristle brushe may. The spacing of the working projections may be such as to further facilitate thorough sanitation. When the handle element is made removably attachable to the cleaning heads, a plurality of shapes and sizes of rubber heads can be interchanged with one handle element, for economy, efficiency and convenience, and the handle element may be of more elaborate construction or of more individual design than usually found in devices for this purpose.

Figure 5 illustrates a variation from the structure shown in Figure 1, in that the diamondshape vacuum-forming depressions 22 are separated only by walls 23 made of flexible material, preferably rubber or a rubber compound. There are no open spaces between the vacuum-forming depressions 22.

Figure 6 and 7 illustrate a modified form of the invention wherein a plurality of relatively thin wedge-shape projections 24 are arranged transversely of the device, and are made of the same flexible material such as rubber, as hereinabove described. The parts 24 are well adapted for cleaning between the teeth by vertical movement of their sharp extremities along the surfaces of the teeth. The parts 24 may be used in combination with vacuum-forming depressions of any type, as set forth hereinabove and as illustrated.

Thus the stated objects of the invention are effected and while this specification discloses preferred means for reducing the present invention to practice and a preferred embodi ent of the invention, changes may occur to those skilled in the art and may be made within the scope of the appended claim, without departing from this inventive concept.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters 5 Patent is:

As an article of manufacture, a device of the character disclosed comprising a handle element THEODORE A. HOSEY. 

